Project: Rust Removal on Chrome Wheels

[davbell22602]

I'll be removing some heavy rust on these 2 chrome wheels that 16.5in, 8 lug chevy wheels. They are chrome steel wheels. I have all 4 but the other 2 still have tires on them.

Below is the spot I'll be working with first. So as suggested I'll use the coke and foil method.

Ok, As you can see below that the coke and foil method didnt go very well due the amount of surface rust.

Since the coke and foil method didnt work I decided to try the liquid wrench and copper steel wool from walmart that used on pots and pans. As you can below that I had somewhat better luck the liquid wrench and the copper steel wool pad. Thats the best the steel wool could get on the heavy surface rust.

Next I'll try is the oven cleaner method. If that doesn't work I'll use fine emmory cloth sandpaper and deal with scratches on the inside of the rim.

The worst of the rust spots are on the inside of the rims where the tires go.

 

[66nova]

First off you have a project on your hands there.

Second, that rust that you are focusing on on the inside of the wheels is not going to come off. The chrome is gone there and you are left with bare steel.

Third, I wouldn't be too worried about the rust on the tire side of the wheel. It's not going to hurt a thing, but if you are worried about it you can shoot a little rust neutralizer on it.

Finally, fine steel wool works really well for getting rust off of chrome. Then go back and polish them.

GOOD LUCK! I don't know if I will ever have another set of chrome wheels.

 

[davbell22602]

First off you have a project on your hands there.

Second, that rust that you are focusing on on the inside of the wheels is not going to come off. The chrome is gone there and you are left with bare steel.

Third, I wouldn't be too worried about the rust on the tire side of the wheel. It's not going to hurt a thing, but if you are worried about it you can shoot a little rust neutralizer on it.

Finally, fine steel wool works really well for getting rust off of chrome. Then go back and polish them.

GOOD LUCK! I don't know if I will ever have another set of chrome wheels.

Thats with no soak time also. I dont think I will either. I could paint over it with some chrome model paint.

 

[lilfroger]

If you get it clean you might want to also hit it with Por 15 to keep them from rusting back up.

 

[davbell22602]

If you get it clean you might want to also hit it with Por 15 to keep them from rusting back up.

Thanks for the link.

 

[davbell22602]

Ok, Here is 2 pictures of the same spot after using emmory cloth. As you can see I'm down to pitted metal and this spot is pretty much down for.

Here is spot #2 soaking in Dollar General Heavy Duty oven cleaner.

 

[davbell22602]

After soaking in oven cleaner for 30 minutes. Here is what it looks like now.

Its currently soaking again in oven cleaner.

 

[Riggs]

your never going to get the rust off, the only way they will look nice is if you sandblas and paint them

 

[66nova]

Can I ask, why are you putting so much work into the tire side of the wheel? The outside of the wheel could clean up pretty nicely, but I guess I don't get the point of working on the wheel where you are.

 

[Texas Jim]

^^^^ What he said.
The rust on the "INSIDE" of the wheel, is not going to hurt anything.